I am Tom Wagstaff and I have the honor to serve as the 20-21 Governor of Capital Virginia District of Optimist International and welcome to the 20-21 Optimist year! While many of us feel that the 19-20 year would never end, cancelled meeting, cancelled fund raisers and many of our usual activities suffering the same fate since we last met in person in February of this year.

We are now in a new year and let us think not of the past, but “press on to the greater achievements of the future”.

For those of you who have not heard, the first Quarterly Meeting for the 20-21 year will be in Lynchburg October 30 and 31. Yes, Halloween so think of a Optimist related (or not) costume and come see many of your friends that you have not seen so some time. The hotel is providing social distancing for the meetings and meals. Information and a link to the registration form are below!

Like the Marines, CapVa Optimist is looking for a FEW GOOD OPTIMIST to fill the vacant positions as Lt. Governors for Zones 4, 5 and 6. This assignment is not overwhelming and is important to the continued success of OUR organization. If you are willing the step up please let me know. I can be reached via email or telephone (804.339.2124) .

If you are Club President or other officer your should have completed training utilizing the Optimist International Learning Management System which is on the Optimist International website. There is a small cost involved, but this can be covered by your Club.

A special Thank You to the Clubs that completed the annual Club Officer elections report, the names on this email came from OI information and if you are an immediate Past President or Secretary (/Treasurer) please send me the names and emails addresses of your replacements.

Finally, please keep Immediate Past Governor Chuck and his wife Pat in your thoughts and prayers. Church and Pat are taking it day by day with an Optimist outlook.

Let us work together during the coming Optimist year on retaining members, bringing in New Optimist and a “FEW NEW GOOD CLUBS” so we many continue to serve our communities and especially the YOUTH in the communities.

While serving as the CEO of a nonprofit anti-poverty agency I started utilizing a simple statement on all of our Branded items. It simply said “I make a difference” and I believe it is fitting to change that to ”I make a difference because I am an OPTIMIST”, because we do make a DIFFERENCE!

I look forward to meeting and working with each of you.

Tom

Thomas Dance Wagstaff
Optimist Clubs of Greater Richmond, Colonial Heights & Hopewell
Governor Capital Virginia District 20-21